Time-Restricted Feeding to Reduce Metabolic Risks During Night Shift Work for Adults Ages 18 to 35

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating how avoiding food intake during the biological night can reduce the negative effects of circadian misalignment on metabolic health in adults. This study focuses on people who work nonstandard hours such as night shifts, who are at higher risk for obesity and type 2 diabetes due to disrupted sleep and body clocks. The goal is to find behavioral strategies to lower this risk by examining time-restricted feeding as a potential solution. Participants will undergo a randomized crossover study where they experience two conditions during simulated night shift work one where they eat meals during the biological nighttime and another where they fast during this period, restricting food to daytime hours. Both conditions last about six days, with food intake matched to keep weight stable. The study uses strict controls for diet, activity, and light exposure to measure the effects. Throughout the study, participants will have metabolic assessments including glucose tolerance tests to measure insulin sensitivity and muscle tissue lipid analysis at specific days. Blood samples will be taken to monitor glucose, insulin, and free fatty acid levels over 24 hours. These measurements help researchers understand how time-restricted feeding impacts metabolic function during circadian disruption. The total participation duration varies, with close monitoring during each condition to ensure safety and data accuracy.

Countermeasures to Circadian Misalignment